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Now rather suspicious of the new guest, who is thoroughly locked in quarantine, Vae and Spectra work together to corroborate her story. Meanwhile, Tali is sent in to see what she can learn while talking her ear off (and saying nothing at the same time).  From what they can tell, Sash is not a threat, though they still have questions as to her trustworthiness.  Meria has been in contact with a person who may be able to help them with their bounty situation. This individual seems oddly concerned with their safety, and at the moment she does not know what their stake is in this situation. So she is vetting them to see how trustworthy they are. Before going to bed, Anima fixes some tea that ends up unlocking an unexpected memory. She remembers her donor. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

In the light of a heightening bounty situation, their newest unexpected addition has everyone on edge. It could be a trap. Or they could lay a trap of their own.  Faridah proposes the idea of dangling information as the bait to lure out whoever could possibly be behind the bounty. They bat the idea back and forth, thinking through different approaches and problems they could run into.  Meanwhile, it seems their guest is up to something. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

After learning that her family has supposedly disappeared, Faridah shares that her father's favorite pass time was finding ways to disappear. Being a general in the Federation and married to a non-human made him unpopular, so he made sure to always have contingencies. Chances are, the rest of his people will be disappearing as well.  The clue her mother left behind points to Ondus, the Promethean homeworld. While they are discussing her family, Spectra warns the party that they have discovered a damaged escape pod nearby. The crew are obviously concerned and distrusting of this, but Spectra discovers that if not allowed in the occupant of the pod will likely suffocate. The Valna is brought on board and set up in the quarantine bay, where she can be monitored and kept secure. Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

With the chaos of Paragon Industries behind them, Vae seeks out Spectra to discuss a few possibilities relating to who could be behind the bounty. This leads to a more personal conversation where Spectra shares her search to find the truth about what happened to her missing friend.  She also gets some unexpected news from her mentor. It seems the Hallahs have disappeared, and it doesn't look like the Federation is aware. Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The story of the Opal Star provides a wonderful escape for the crew of the Shirley, a ratty ship with an absolute tightwad of a captain. They have 6 months left of their 2-year contract, so the end is in sight.  But they may need to find alternative employment soon as it seems Captain Ka'Ryn has her own plans for how this job will end. They're not nice plans either. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

At Pseudonym Social, we believe that Trans Rights are Human Rights. Join us for a game of Dragons and Owls and Bears, Oh My by Night Owl Oddessy as we seek to raise money for the TTRPGs for Trans Rights in Texas Bundle on Itch.io. The TTRPGs for Trans Rights in Texas Bundle (https://itch.io/b/1308/ttrpgs-for-trans-rights-in-texas) is live now on itch! For as low as $5, you can get 493 games by over 300 designers, as well as games from our community partners: Hit-Point Press, Solarian Games, and Monte Cook Games. All proceeds benefit Organizacion Latina de Trans en Texas and Transgender Education Network of Texas, two trans-led, trans-centered organizations working to fight disinformation and support trans people in Texas. You can find this D&D one-shot plus so much more (SO MUCH MORE) in the bundle. It's well worth the $5 and that money goes to a great cause. The bundle: https://itch.io/b/1308/ttrpgs-for-trans-rights-in-texas Music by: Audio Alchemist RPG/Fantasy Music Pack 1 & 2 Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/

The crew finds themselves temporarily trapped in Paragon Labs when a group of hackers starts attacking their firewalls. Normally, this would not be a problem but seeing as the lab is currently housing a volatile (and possibly sentient) material, this is problematic indeed.  Vae and Spectra work on helping to secure the station while Faridah and Anima make sure that nothing gets out of the bio lab. It isn't until the situation is resolved that they are able to finish the paperwork and leave the station.  Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The Opal Star arrives safely at Paragon Labs, where they are greeted by the site manager who helps them unload the engine. While waiting in the docking area, the party notices an odd-looking Promethean man who appears to have four arms.  They quickly learn that this individual is in fact Lex, the Opal Stars chief engineer, who, after a brief conversation with Spectra, immediately boards the ship.  On a brief tour of the lab as they help secure the engine, Faridah notices a bio lab with a variety of hazard signs surrounding it. Inside is an odd experiment, created by another company, slated for destruction. After the deal is struck but before they can finish the paperwork, an alarm starts going off. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

Vae continues her conversation with her mentor, moving past their current situation to a concern that had been plaguing her for some time. She explains to him how the Ashenforged are made in the Alliance, then mentions her worry about some people she lost long ago and what the Federation may have done with them.  He quickly cuts her off and redirects her to the problem at hand, asking what was going on around when the bounty was placed.  That night, Anima dreams of her past, Faridah dreams of a possibility, and Vae is haunted by a memory and a single question. Who do you trust? Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

While working on her helmet, Faridah does some research into the music label and discovers the name of her agent, among other things. She shares this information with Vae, who then researches things further.  Faridah has a high-profile agent who is very particular about whom he works with. This agent also almost ended up in a fair amount of trouble before a used shuttle salesman helped prove he did not do what he was being accused of. His name was cleared and now he is even more reclusive online.  Armed with that information, Vae does more research. Then she settles in for a long conversation with her mentor about what she should do with this bounty situation. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

After getting the ancient engine secured, the party goes to check in with Meria to see what might have changed while they were gone. They learn that the bounty has been updated and the crew is taking every precaution.  Tali gets to work finding a buyer for the engine.  The party gathers in the mess hall to learn more about their situation and drink some tea. Spectra briefly calls Anima by another name, and Vae and Faridah get the feeling the name belongs to someone she lost long ago. Someone important to her.  The Federation coverage of the Jaeger explosion continues to be very suspect. Vae gets the distinct impression that they are setting her up for something sinister. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

After successfully completing the first two challenges, the party has reached the final part of the vault. It is a puzzle that they cannot solve alone, and it hints at how even good things can be dangerous if not handled correctly. They have half of the pieces, while Spectra has the other half.  The reward for completing this section ends up being more than the party expected. More than Spectra expected. And hopefully enough to help buy them some breathing room.  Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The party delves into the mystery of the Belare vault, Spectra taking one route while our trio takes the other. First, they pass through a twisting maze whose walls are lined with a history wholely unfamiliar and old. It appears to be a tale of the origin of the universe. Then the three are compelled to split up to face a more personal trial. The guardian of the vault challenges them, asking them why they are there and what it is they fight for. Then each person is left with a choice between helping themselves and helping another. Passing that, they find themselves before the door of the third and final trial. Sound effects by: Zapsplat, RPG sound effects bundle Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The party continues to discuss the implications of the bounty situation. They go to Meria, who has been researching whatever she can find on who placed it and why. So far she has been able to uncover the username of the person behind the bounty, Trigger, but she isn’t entirely sure who they are.  She and Trigger work on different sides of the same circle, so most of what she knows is just rumors. They don’t normally take this direct interest in specific individuals. They also aren’t someone you want to mess with. The last person who crossed Trigger (at least as far as she is aware) is still being investigated by the IRS. They also appear to be working with a very talented hacker, so it will take some time for her to figure out their identity.  Meria is able to confirm that the pictures were stills grabbed from Cynfrith’s security, which is easy to hack. Those images are likely to be updated soon due to the incident at the bar. Some possibilities are discussed as to how to lure out some more information, but that will have to wait until after the vault. After leaving the mess hall, they go their separate ways to gather their weapons. Spectra hands out some helpful supplies before taking the ship in for a landing. The vault, being a vault of duality, is located in a cliff at the edge of night and day. Now they just need to open the door. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The year 1927. Event: The "A Century of Progress International Exposition" also known as the Chicago World's Fair (pushed up 5 years from our reality, 1933).  The topics of interest this year include a series of discoveries regarding a new natural resource in which there has been a significant investment. This resource is unnamed, however many people have been calling it "Gravitium" based on how it interacts with lifting things into the air much like airships. To this end, the entire Municipal Pier has been turned into an exhibition on small-scale applications of this material to various artistic or scientific ends. This is in contrast to the more industrial applications on display at Lincoln Park just a couple blocks north of the Pier. Each of these is guided by advances in research or archaeology funded by a series of magnates. Your employer has hired each of you to attend a ball at the Grand Ballroom at the end of the Municipal Pier. It is being thrown by many of these magnates who are seeing great income from this event. Now, not to dance mind you. He needs you to grab something from the Exhibition after hours. he said he would find you there, white-tie formal dress required, and he neglected to share the subject of his interest. 'Wandering eyes have a tendency of finding value in selling information you see, and we can’t afford to be discovered...It's for the safety of humanity you see...' Part of the way through the party, a group of people slipped out of the party to sneak into the exhibit hall to find a particular item. They end up finding more than they bargained for... Sound effects by: Zapsplat, Freesound Music from Audio Alchemist's Haunted Atmosphere music Party music: Hot Swing by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3885-hot-swing License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

Things have gotten complicated aboard the Opal Star, with the recent announcements in the Federation. The crew finds themselves in need of more funds to get their loved ones to safety. The good news is, Spectra has a lead on a Belare vault. They have traveled to Aebos to meet with her contact at his bar.  Tali, Vaelena, Anima, and Faridah relax at their table as Spectra goes to handle the negotiations. For a while, things are fine. That is, until something happened that caused certain individuals in the tavern to take notice of the party. Vae noticed first and warned the others before going to casually collect Spectra.  Things escalate quickly and they all nearly get taken by thugs. Spectra provides a distraction and they are able to escape, Tali grabbing one of their phones on the way.  On the way back to the ship they discover there is a price on their head. Somebody wants to talk to them. They need the money from the vault even more now.  Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The Federation has declared the crew dead, putting their loved ones in a potentially precarious situation. Meria and Spectra mention knowing people who may be able to get them out safely, but it will not be cheap. They need money and they have recently been made aware of a way to get that money.  One of Spectra’s archaeology contacts is offering to give her the first go at a recently discovered Belare vault. These vaults offer tests of skill that, if passed, leave you with a gift of ancient tech. Druindaria explains to Vaelena that the vaults were left behind to safeguard technology that could help the future. The Belare and their allies created them during a time when they feared none would survive. These vaults hold history as well as tech, and they want them to be found.  Once the item has been retrieved, Spectra and Tali will find a buyer who will take the tech and learn from it.  Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

The news of the Jaeger explosion reaches an unsuspecting party who has an interesting reaction. Special theme: Deadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License: CC BY 3.0 https://goo.gl/Yibru5 Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

It is time for the new crew members to start their combat training because things are never dull on this ship. Tali takes them through how to use the external guns. Then they try out the shuttle simulator before practicing their hand-to-hand combat with Tylrish.  Then comes the unexpected news they were waiting for. The Federation has officially declared them dead and they are going to be running further investigations. No accusations have been made yet, but they may be coming soon. Vae’s mentor goes to ground as a precaution. Faridah’s parents drop some code phrases hinting that they suspect all is not as it seems. They specifically warn her to not come home.  The party may be needing money soon to pay for their loved one’s safe transport out of the Federation. The good news is Meria knows a few people that they can ask for help. And Spectra has recently learned of a rare opportunity to earn some money, fast. A Belare vault has been found, and Spectra is going to try and get first dibs on the coordinates. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean

After successfully helping the Valna of Rekura not once, but twice, the crew returns to the Opal Star. There are no more jobs that need doing immediately, so they take some time to process their situation.  Vaelena’s mentor has been keeping her apprised of the situation in the Federation. There have been whispers of an investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Jaeger explosion. There is also word of an announcement soon to be made. This gets the party thinking of the possible implications.  They discuss at length how the Federation might use what happened as a source of propaganda. The government there is not afraid to cover the truth for their own benefit and they are not kind to non-humans. However things shake out, it is not going to be pretty. So Vaelena warns her mentor and asks him to check on Faridah’s parents, in case they need help getting to safety when things go sideways. Sound effects by: Zapsplat Theme music by: https://chesterstudios.net/ Check us out: https://pseudonymsocial.wordpress.com/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PseudonymSocial Support us: https://www.patreon.com/pseudonymsocial/ Buy me a coffee: https://www.ko-fi.com/briannajean